Zebaldt Ngaruka
EPUKIRO – Following the appointment of Sanet Steenkamp as education minister, the Omaheke region’s education director Constance Wantenaar is hopeful of changes in the current education system for the better.
Wantenaar shared with New Era that the current school curriculum needs to be enhanced so that it can remain relevant to the evolving job market and global standards.
The director said there is a need for teacher support and development programmes, specifically for African language teachers.
“The new minister must look at teachers’ training programmes, which must be strengthened to contribute to ongoing professional development in the education system,” said Wantenaar.
Due to the growing population in the Omaheke region’s capital Gobabis, the director proposed the building of at least one extra secondary and one primary school in Gobabis. On the issue of infrastructure development, addressing the backlog in school infrastructure in the region is required. “This will ensure that all learners have access to quality facilities,” she said.
The director is also hopeful of strengthening and expanding the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) teachers’ programme to provide learners with practical skills for employment, which is needed. On equity and inclusion, Wantenaar called on the government to enhance support for marginalised communities, including learners with disabilities and those in remote areas.
“This will be achieved if resource school is built in the region,” stated the director.
Furthermore, Wantenaar recommended educational development in the Omaheke region.
“I would like to see the establishment of fully-fledged tertiary institutions, instead of branches. I strongly support efforts to push for a dedicated higher learning institution in the region to cater to local educational and economic needs,” she said.
She also called for improvement in secondary education infrastructure, which includes building science labs and libraries to.
These, the director said, will ensure a strong foundation for learners transitioning to higher institutions.
Wantenaar further said there is a need to strengthen public-private partnerships, as this engagement with various stakeholders will help in the creation of sustainable education initiatives, including scholarship programmes and skills development centres.
The director emphasised that she will continue advocating for these developments to ensure that Omaheke learners have access to quality education and meaningful career pathways.
“Education remains a key driver for regional growth, and I am committed to working with the ministry, stakeholders and the community to achieve these goals,” she added.